Pneumatic float



Feb E950 Filed Aug. 10, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet l ww m M w ...Hn Ji) n l. l|l. 1 3 ml/ a. h y /w /w .w a 3N w n @d Z W m .)0 z 1 we z w u i W u k 1| uw 8L Z 4| Hf, .6 i

J. EVANS PNEUMATIC FLOAT Fb. 79 H950 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. lO, 1946 Patented Feb. 7, `"`i 950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Armstrong Rubber Company,

West Haven,

Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application August 10, 1946, Serial No. 689,737

13 Claims.

The present invention relates in general to floats and, more especially, to an improved pneumatic float which is particularly useful as a device both for participation in water sports and for relaxation.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved pneumatic oat having a multiplicity of uses.

A further object is to provide an improved pneumatic float which combines the functions of a mattress, aqua-sled, boat and chair.

A still further object is to provide in combination with a pneumatic float, improved means for converting the float into a substantially-selfsupporting chair.

With the above and other objects in view, as will appear to those skilled in the art from the present disclosure, this invention includes all features in the said disclosure which are novel over the prior art.

In the accompanying drawings, in which certain modes of carrying out the present invention are shown for illustrative purposes:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the improved pneumatic float of this invention; 1T"Figi 2 is a side elevation of the float shown in Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the float;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged section on line 4--4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 shows the float altered in shape so as to simulate a chair; and

Fig. 6 is a section similar to Fig. 4 but showing a' modification of the tranverse stiffening-means for holding the sides of the float in spaced parallel relationship.

Referring to the drawings which show an eX- emplary embodiment of the invention, the improved loat comprises a substantially-elongated quadrilateral-member indicated generally at I0, having spaced slightly-forwardly-converging sides I I and rspaced parallel end-sections I2 and I3, the latter being joined lto the corresponding ends of the side-pieces I I by suitable corner-sections I4 and I5 respectively, each of which is substantially keystone in shape, as seen in Figs. 1 and 3. The material from which the sides, endsections and corner-sections are formed comprises a water-impermeable material capable of being inflated and is preferably a tubular rubberized-fabric stock, although any other equivalent material may be used. All joints between the sides II, end-sections I2 and I3 and corner-sections I4 and I5 are held together by rubber binding tape I6 or equivalent fastening-means,

secured by a rubber cement or equivalent sealingmeans over the adjoining edges of the joints, so as to form a continuous air-inflated tube. At a convenient place in the wall of the float, preferably on the inner wall of the end-section I3, is an air-valve 3U for inflating the float, either by mouth or other means. The particular float shown by way of illustration is characterized by a bow-portion I8 which in normal use of the oat projects upwardly relative to the low sternportion I'I (see Fig. 2). To effect this preferred shape, the end-section I2 and its corner-sections I4, constituting the stern I'I of the float, are larger in diameter than the end-section I3 and its corner-sections I5, which constitute the -bow I8 of the float. Consequently, the sides II are not cylinders of uniform diameter but each is tapered longitudinally from its forward end, which is of relatively-small diameter, to its rear end, which is of relatively-large diameter, in order that the respective ends of each side I I will correspond in diameter substantially to the diameters of the respective corner-sections and end-sections with which they are joined. Secured to the sides and end-sections of the float is a cover or deck I9 comprising a substantiallyrectangular sheet of flexible material, preferably a woven rubberized fabric, a relatively-wide continuous marginal-portion IBI) of which is cemented or otherwise secured over the upper peripheral surfaces of the sides II and the bowand stern-portions I'I and I8 respectively of the float, the deck I9 being so arranged that when the float is inflated, the deck will be stretched substantially tautly over the substantially-rectangular central aperture 20 prescribed by the spaced sides Il and end-sections I2 and I3 of the float. When the float is used as a mattress, raft o-r seat, the deck I9 is adapted to support a person reclining or sitting thereon. As shown in Fig. 2, suitable scuif-resisting pads 2| and 22 of a relatively-tough water-resistant rubberized vfabric may be cemented around the sternand bowportions respectively of the oat to protect the rubberized fabric of the float when the latter is pulled up onto the beach or subjected to similar scuiiing or scraping action.

rlhe structural features of the float described above constitute a preferred construction and one which is particulaly adapted to the purposes of this invention. It will be understood, however, that the preferred construction serves only to illustrate the salient features of the invention, and is not a limitation thereto, the invention being applicable to other equivalent types of floats.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, both sides II of the float are provided with suitable harness-means indicated generally at 23 and comprising patches 24 secured to the bowand stern-portions of the iloat preferably relatively high up on the outer walls of the sides, each patch embodying fastening-means such as D-rings 25 for receiving a strap 26. Each strap 26 is provided with a cinchbuckle 2T, so that the effective length of the straps may be increased or decreased, as desired. By shortening the length of both the straps 26 substantially equally, the opposite ends I1 and I8 of the float will be drawn up into angular relationship to each other, as shown in Fig. 5, in which position the bow-portion I8 of the float is adapted to form the back of a chair-like structure, the stern-portion I1 of the float being the seat.

In order to provide -a satisfactory chair-like structure, suitable stiiening-means are provided yto prevent the float from buckling at undesired locations when bent in the form of a chair. To this end, thel bottom of the float (Fig. 3) is provided with a plurality of stiifening-elements or stays indicated at 28, comprising relatively-thinbut-stiff slabs of wood or equivalent material attached to the bottom of each side II, adjacent the forward and rearward ends thereof, the longitudinal axis of each stay being parallel to the longitudinal axis of its respective side II. A pair of such stiffening-elements 28 is shown arranged in axial alignment under each side II of the float for providing the desired rigidity at opposite ends thereof. It will be appreciated, however, that the stiffening of a limited area at the opposite ends of each side may be accomplished by one large stay, as shown, or by a plurality of relatively-small stays. Each stay or slab of wood 28 is adapted to be attached to its respective area of the oat by means of a reinforcement 29 which is an elongated substantially-rectangular sheet of tough water-resistant rubberized fabric of a length comparable to the length of each side II and substantially thrice the width of the wooden stays 28. Each rubberized-fabric reinforcement is secured to the underside of one of the sides II of the float by rubber cement or equivalent fastening-means, and is adapted to provide a pair of longitudinallyaligned pockets 3l to accommodate the stays 28, each of the latter being wholly enclosed within its respective pocket 3 I. As shown in Fig. 3, each stay 28 is preferably of a length such as to extend from one end of its respective side II to a point just short of the middle thereof.

In accordance with this construction, the forward half or bow-portion of the float and the rearward half or stern-portion thereof are made relatively rigid or non-flexible, whereas, the midportion of the float, along a transverse axis 32 intermediate the inner ends of the respective stays 28 and including the deck I9, is readily exible, which permits the float to be bent along its transverse axis, as indicated in Fig. 5, whereupon the deck-covered stern-portion I'I of the float constitutes a relatively-stiff self-supporting seat, while the deck-covered bow-portion I8 constitutes a relatively-stiff back-rest, the latter being held rigidly in angular relation to the seat by the shortened straps 26.

An additional feature of the invention is the use of transverse stiifening-means for holding the sides II of the float in normal spaced relationship even when supporting the weight of a person, so as to preclude any tendency for the sides to draw together and reduce the tautness of the deck I9. To this end, the oppositelydisposed inner walls of the sides II may be provided with suitable recessed-means 33 comprising a rubberized fabric or equivalent material, built up or otherwise constructed to provide sockets 34 which are suitably shaped to receive the opposite ends respectivelyof a stiifening-element or stay such, for example, as a relatively-wide wooden board 35, the recessed-means being cemented or otherwise secured to the walls of the sides II on a transverse line 36 rearwardly of the transverse axis 32 of the oat, so that the latter may be bent in the manner hereinabove described, and to provide a transverse stiffened area at the sternportion of the float. The opposite ends of the stay 35 are arranged to make a relatively-tight fit in the respective sockets 34 of the recessedmeans 33, so as to be held securely therein during normal use of the oat. However, when the oat is to be deflated and folded, the ends of the stay 35 are adapted to be readily withdrawn from the sockets 34.

Although a wooden stay, such as illustrated at 35 in Fig. 4, provides a highly satisfactory form of transverse stiffening-means, other equivalent means may be used such as, forexample, the pneumatic stiffening-element indicated generally at 31 in Fig. 6. The latter is preferably a tube of a rubberized fabric arranged to extend between the oppositely-,disposed inside walls of the sides IIa, the opposite open ends of the tubular stay being cemented or otherwise secured thereto, by rubber binding tapes 38. Suitable apertures 39 are provided inthe opposite walls of the sides I Ia within the confines of the tubular stay 3'I to provide a continuous air-passage between each side IIa and the tubular stay. It will be clear that when the float is inflated, the tubular stay forms a relatively-rigid transverse stiffening-means for effectively preventing the sides IIa of the iloat from collapsing inwardly.

The float isv also adapted to have other uses in addition to those of a mattress, raft and chair. Thus, by inverting the float so that its deck I9 is on the bottom, the float constitutes a boat, in which case the transverse stiffeningelement, and in particular the wooden stay 34,

will serve as a seat. It is also within the purview of the invention to utilize the float as an aquasled, and to this end it may be provided with a second set of patches 40 at its forward end, the patches 40 having fastening-means such as D-rings 4I for attachment of a towline 42 to the float for use in towing the latter.y When so used, the starps 26 provide holding-means or reins for a person using the float as an aqua-sled.

It will be clear from the foregoing description that when the tubular member is inflated to its elongated or outstretched form, it constitutes a mattress adapted to support a person on the ground, or a float upon which a person may be supported on the deck I9 above the surface of the Water. When the float is to be used as a chair, the bowand stern-portions may be readily drawn up in angular relation to each other by means of the shortened `straps 26 which function to hold the weight of a person seated upon the deck-covered stern-portion I 'I of the float and resting against the deck-covered relatively-rigid bow-portion I8 which constitutes, in effect, a back-rest, the longitudinal and transverse stiiening-elements providing adequate rigidity over limited areas of the float to prevent undesirable buckling.

The invention may be carried out in other specic ways than those herein set :forth without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the invention, and the present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in Iall respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning :and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

I claim:

1. A flexible :pneumatic float comprising an inilated quadrilateral tubular member of Waterimpermeable material; and longitudinally-discontinuous stiiiening-means secured to said tubular member longitudinally thereof and adjacent its opposite ends respectively to give rigidity thereto and to permit said float to be bent transversely intermediate the discontinuous stiffeninfgmeans.

2. A flexible pneumatic float comprising an inflated substantially-rectangular tubular member of water-impermeable material, said tubular member being constructed and arranged to have a relatively-high bow-portion and a relativelylow stern-portion; and longitudinally-discontinu ous stiiening-means attached to said tubular member longitudinally thereof and :adjacent said bow-portion and stern-portion respectively, to give rigidity to said bow and stern portions and to permit said float to be bent transversely intermediate the discontinuous stiifening-means.

3. A exible pneumatic oat comprising a substantially-rectangular iniiated tubular member of water-impermeable material, said tubular member having a relatively-high bow-portion land a relatively-low stern-portion; longitudinally-discontinuous stiiening-means; and means on said tubular member adjacent said bow-portion and stern-portion respectively, to secure said discontinuous stiiening-means thereto longitudinally thereof so as to give rigidity to said bow and stern portions and to permit said float to be bent transversely intermediate the discontinuous stiiching-means.

4. A exible pneumatic float compri-sing a substantially-rectangular iniiated tubular member of water-impermeable material, said tubular member having a relatively-high .bow-portion and :a relatively-low stern-portion; longitudinally-discontinuous stiffening-means; and :fa/[bric reinforcements on the underside of said tubular member constructed and arranged to secure said discontinuous stifening-means thereto longitudinally thereof so as to give rigidity to said bow and stern portions and to permit said float to be bent transversely intermediate the discontinuous stiffening-means.

5. A flexible pneumatic float comprising a substantially-rectangular inflated tubular member of `water-iiripermeable material, said tubular member having a relatively-high bow-portion and a relatively-low stern-portion; stiffening-means secured to the underside of said tubular member adjacent said bow-portion and stern-portion respectively to give rigidity to said bow and stern portions; and harness-means secured at opposite ends of said tubular member, said harness-means including a strap :arranged to hold the bow and stern portions of said tubular member in angular relationship to each other whereby the respective ends of said tubular member constitute a substantially-rigid seat and back-rest.

6. A flexible pneumatic float comprising an indated elongated tubular member yof water-impermeable material; a flexible deck secured to said tubular member and arranged to be stretched substantially taut when said tubular member is inated; and lon-gitudinally-discontinuous stiffening-means attached to said tubular member longitudinally thereof to give rigidity to corresponding sections of said deck and to permit said deck to be bent transversely intermediate said discontinuous stiifening-means to :form a seat and backrest.

7. A flexible pneumatic float comprising :an inflated elongated tubular member of water-impermeable material; a flexible `deck secured to said tubular member and arranged to be stretched substantially taut when said tubular member is inflated; longitudinally-discontinuous stiieningmeans :attached to said tubular member longitudinally thereof to give rigidity to corresponding `sections of said deck and to permit said .deck to lbe bent transversely intermediate said discontinuous stiflening-means to form a seat and backrest; and transverse stiffening-means to provide :additional rigidity to one section lof said deck.

8. .A flexible pneumatic oat'comprising a substantially-rectangular inflated tubular member of water-impermeable material, said tubular member havin-g a relatively-high :bow-portion, a relatively-low stern-portion vand a central aperture; a flexible deck secured to said tubular member and arranged to be stretched substantially taut over said central aperture when said member is inated; stiffening-means secured to the underside =of said tubular member adjacent said bow-portion and stern-portion respectively, to give rigidity to said bow and stern portions; and harness-means secured at opposite ends of said tubular member, said harness-means including a strap arranged to hold the bow and stern portions of said tubular member in angular relationship to each other land to bend the flexible deck substantially intermediate said bow and stern portions whereby the portions of said deck covering the rigidied ends of said tubular member constitute a seat :and a back-rest respectively.

9. A flexible pneumatic float comprising a substantially-rectangular inflated tubular member of water-impermeable material; said tubular member having a relatively-high bow-portion, a relatively-low stern-portion and a central aperture; a exible deck secured to said tubular member and arranged to be stretched substantially taut over said central aperture when said tubular member is inated; longitudinal stiffeningmeans; pockets on the underside of said tubular member adjacent the bow and stern portions thereof to secure said stiffening-means thereto so as to give rigidity to said bow and stern portions, the portion of said tubular member intermediate the rigidifled bow and stern portions thereof being substantially exible; and harnessmeans secured at the bow and stern portions of said tubular member, said harness-means including a strap arranged to be shortened to bend said deck and said tubular member at said intermediate flexible portion and to hold the rigidied bow and stern portions of said tubular member in angular relationship with respect to each other whereby the portions of said deck covering the rigidified stern-portion and bow-portion of said tubular member constitute a seat and back-rest respectively.

10. In combination: a flexible pneumatic float; stiffening-elements secured to said oat longitudinally and transversely thereof to give rigidity to limited areas of'fsaid oat and to permit flexing of the non-rigidied areas of said float;

flexible portion; and harness-means secured at,

the opposite ends of said oat arranged to hold the oat in a bent position.

12. In combination; a ilexible pneumatic float; longitudinal stiiening-elements secured to said float at opposite ends thereof to give rigidity thereto and to provide a relatively-ilexible portion intermediate the rigidied opposite ends of said oat, said float being adapted to be bent at said intermediate exible portion; and harnessmeans secured at the opposite ends of said oat, said harness-means including a strap arranged to hold one end of the oat in angular relationship with respect to the opposite end thereof, whereby the respective ends of said oat constitute a substantially-rigid seat and substantiallyrigid back-rest.

13. In combination: a flexible pneumatic float having a central aperture, a deck-portion covering said central aperture and bow and stern portions; pockets on the underside of said float adjacent the bow and stern portions thereof; sti'- ening-elements in said pockets; and means secured at the bow and stern portions of said float to hold said bow and stern portions in angular relationship, whereby the deck-covering of the rigidied bow-portion of said oat constitutes a back-rest, and the deck-covering of the rigidied stern-portion of said float constitutes a seat.

JOSEPH EVANS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 671,502 Sultemeyer Apr. 9, 1901 1,329,687 Underwood Feb. 3, 1920 1,555,080 Scheibert Sept. 29, 1925 1,686,366 Boyle Oct. 2, 1928 1,891,491 Anderson Dec. 20, 1932 2,334,072 Cooper Nov. 9, 1943 

